About the song
Let’s embark on a journey back to the heart of country music with the iconic ballad “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by the incomparable Loretta Lynn. This timeless masterpiece, penned by Lynn herself, serves as a poignant ode to her humble beginnings and the resilience of the human spirit.
Originally released as the title track of her groundbreaking album in 1970, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” quickly captivated audiences with its raw honesty and heartfelt lyrics. Lynn’s autobiographical song chronicles her upbringing in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, painting a vivid portrait of life in a coal mining community and the hardships faced by her family. It’s a stirring testament to the indomitable strength of working-class Americans and the power of dreams to transcend adversity.
Upon its release, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” soared to the top of the charts, cementing Loretta Lynn’s status as a country music icon. Its heartfelt storytelling and authentic delivery struck a chord with listeners across the nation, earning Lynn widespread acclaim and numerous accolades.
Through her evocative vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Lynn invites listeners to walk in her shoes and experience the trials and triumphs of her journey. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” remains a cornerstone of Lynn’s illustrious career, continuing to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
As we listen to this timeless classic, let’s celebrate the enduring legacy of Loretta Lynn and the rich tapestry of American music that she has so beautifully woven.
Video
Lyrics
Well, I was borned a coal miner’s daughter
In a cabin, on a hill in Butcher Holler
We were poor but we had love
That’s the one thing that daddy made sure of
He shoveled coal to make a poor man’s dollar
My daddy worked all night in the Van Lear coal mines
All day long in the field a hoin’ corn
Mommy rocked the babies at night
And read the Bible by the coal oil light
And ever’ thing would start all over come break of morn’
Daddy loved and raised eight kids on a miner’s pay
Mommy scrubbed our clothes on a washboard every day
Why, I’ve seen her fingers bleed
To complain, there was no need
She’d smile in mommy’s understanding way
In the summertime we didn’t have shoes to wear
But in the wintertime we’d all get a brand new pair
From a mail order catalog
Money made from selling a hog
Daddy always managed to get the money somewhere
Yeah, I’m proud to be a coal miner’s daughter
I remember well, the well where I drew water
The work we done was hard
At night we’d sleep ’cause we were tired
Never thought of ever leaving Butcher Holler
Well, a lot of things have changed since a way back then
Ah, and it’s so good to be back home again
Not much left but the floors, nothing lives here anymore
‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter
‘Cept the memories of a coal miner’s daughter